Many of us often feel as though our supplications are suspended in the heavens. Or perhaps, the burdens of life feel so overwhelming that we are perplexed as to where to begin in beseeching Allah. Know that there is a simple practice that we frequently underestimate, yet its effect is extraordinary in opening the doors of the heavens. That practice is sending blessings upon the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
Within the treasury of classical texts, Imam Ibn Hajar al-Haytami, in his monumental work, Al-Zawajir ‘an Iqtiraf al-Kaba’ir, concludes his writing with a specific chapter dedicated to a collection of authentic and good hadith concerning the profound efficacy of sending blessings upon the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him).
We are not discussing empty theory. This is a promise of the Prophet recorded by trustworthy scholars. Let us examine the significant benefits that await those diligent in keeping their tongues moist with Salawat.
The Spiritual Mathematics: One for Ten
The fundamental concept we must firmly grasp is the “mathematics of the heavens” in sending ṣalawāt. If one offers a single blessing, Allah rewards ten in return. This is not merely a metaphor, but a clear textual ḥadīth.
Imam Ibn Hajar quotes the saying of the Prophet ﷺ:
من صلى علي واحدة صلى الله عليه عشرا
“Whosoever sends blessings upon me once, Allah will send blessings (bestow mercy) upon him ten times.”
Imagine, when Allah sends blessings upon His servant, it signifies Allah descending with mercy, compassion, and forgiveness. For every instance we remember the Prophet, Allah “greets” us with His affection ten times over.
Furthermore, another narration details the comprehensive package to be obtained:
- Receiving ten mercies.
- Ten sins or evils are expiated.
- Elevated ten degrees.
Therefore, for those who feel burdened by accumulated sin or find their career and life stagnating, consistently reciting ṣalawāt can serve as a spiritual ladder for elevation.
The Secret of the Supplication of Ubay bin Ka’ab: A Solution to Life’s Anxieties
Have you ever been perplexed regarding the allocation of time during supplication? What percentage should be devoted to requesting provision, what percentage to seeking a spouse, and what percentage to praising Allah? The Companion Ubay bin Ka’ab once inquired about this very matter to the Messenger of Allah. This conversation serves as a key for anyone desiring resolution to life’s problems without needing to specify each individual concern within their supplication.
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ stated:
إِذًا تُكْفَى هَمَّكَ، وَيُغْفَرَ لَكَ ذَنْبُكَ
“If such is the case (that you dedicate all of your prayer times to sending blessings upon the Prophet), then it will suffice for whatever anxieties you possess concerning worldly affairs, and your sins (pertaining to the Hereafter) will be forgiven.”
The context of this ḥadīth is quite compelling. ‘Ubay inquired, “May I dedicate all of my supplications solely to sending blessings upon you?” The Prophet responded that it was the most excellent of choices.
The logic is straightforward: Ṣalawāt is a supplication that is certainly accepted. When we are occupied with supplicating for the Beloved of Allah (the Prophet Muhammad), Allah will take care of our needs. We need not trouble ourselves pondering “how to repay debts” or “how to obtain employment,” for Allah will suffice that which burdens our minds.
The Body of the Prophet is Intact and Responds to Our Salutations
There is a mistaken notion that our connection with the Prophet ﷺ is severed after his passing. However, according to the tenets of the creed of Ahlus Sunnah wal Jama’ah, the Prophets are alive in their graves.
Imam Ibn Hajar transmits a ḥadīth elucidating that our blessings (ṣalawāt) “reach” and are “heard.”
إِنَّ اللهَ حَرَّمَ عَلَى الْأَرْضِ أَنْ تَأْكُلَ أَجْسَادَ الْأَنْبِيَاءِ
“Indeed, Allah has forbidden the earth from consuming the bodies of the Prophets.”
Each time we offer a salutation, such as “Assalamu’alaika ya Rasulullah,” Allah restores to the Prophet’s soul the capacity to return the greeting. Indeed, there are specific angels appointed who function as swift messengers. These angels circulate, seeking those who send blessings upon the Prophet, then convey it to him, complete with our names and the names of our fathers: “O Muhammad, Fulan bin Fulan has just sent blessings upon you.”
Imagine your name being mentioned before the most noble of beings. Would that not cause the heart to tremble?
The Virtues of Friday
Although blessings upon the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) may be recited at any time, Friday possesses a particular emphasis. The Prophet ﷺ exhorted us to increase in the recitation of blessings upon him on this day.
Why Friday? Because that day is the weekly “Festival” of angels and humankind. Our deeds are presented directly to the Prophet ﷺ on Friday. The more frequent our deposits of ṣalawāt, the more the Prophet ﷺ will know us.
In the narration of At-Tabrani it is mentioned:
“Whosoever sends blessings upon me one hundred times, Allah guarantees for him freedom from hypocrisy and freedom from the Fire.”
Summary Table of the Virtues of Ṣalawāt
To facilitate a clearer understanding of the “reward” for each form of ṣalāwat mentioned by Ibn Ḥajar al-Haytamī, the following concise table is provided:
| Quantity / Condition of Ṣalawāt | Virtues & Rewards from Allah |
| Once | 10 Blessings, Erasure of 10 Sins, Ascent of 10 Degrees. |
| 100 Times | Freedom from the characteristic of hypocrisy, freedom from the fire of Hell, gathering with the martyrs. |
| Hearing the Adhān & Requesting Wasīlah | Permissible (certain) attainment of the Prophet’s intercession on the Day of Resurrection. |
| Making All Supplications Ṣalawāt | Sufficiency in worldly affairs (removal of life’s burdens) and forgiveness of sins in the Hereafter. |
| As a Substitute for Ṣadaqah | For those who possess no wealth, Ṣalawāt is considered as zakāt/purification of wealth. |
Salutations as a “Currency” for Those Without Wealth
Islam is a religion of justice. The affluent may give in charity with their wealth, but what of those whose economic circumstances are modest? Are they disadvantaged in the performance of charitable deeds?
It turns out this is not the case. Ibn Ḥajar includes a ḥadīth for those who do not possess the financial means for charity:
أَيُّمَا رَجُلٍ مُسْلِمٍ لَمْ يَكُنْ عِنْدَهُ صَدَقَةٌ فَلْيَقُلْ فِي دُعَائِهِ: اللَّهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ عَبْدِكَ وَرَسُولِكَ وَصَلِّ عَلَى الْمُؤْمِنِينَ وَالْمُؤْمِنَاتِ وَالْمُسْلِمِينَ وَالْمُسْلِمَاتِ فَإِنَّهَا زَكَاةٌ
Any Muslim man who does not possess the means to give in charity should state in his supplication:
O Allah, send blessings upon Muhammad, Your servant and messenger, and send blessings upon the believing men and believing women, and the Muslim men and Muslim women.
(O Allah, bestow blessings upon Muhammad, Your servant and Your messenger, and bestow blessings upon the believing men and women, and the Muslim men and women.)
…for verily that utterance is zakāt (a purification of the soul/a substitute for charity) for him.
This is welcome news that the door to goodness is not solely opened with the key of material possessions, but can be opened with the sincerity of love for the Prophet.
Becoming the Closest Person on the Day of Judgement
On the Day of Resurrection, all people will be seized with fear and seek refuge. The safest position will be in proximity to the Messenger of Allah ﷺ. Who is worthy to sit near him? Not the wealthiest of people, nor the official.
“The most excellent of people to me on the Day of Resurrection are those who send the most blessings upon me.”
Thus, increasing in blessings upon the Prophet ﷺ is akin to reserving a VIP seat on the Day of Reckoning.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Ṣalawāt
Is it permissible to send ṣalawāt (blessings upon the Prophet ﷺ) without being in a state of wuḍūʾ?
Permissible. Ṣalawāt is a remembrance of God (dhikr), and dhikr is permissible in states of minor and major ritual impurity (except while in a place of impurity such as a toilet). However, it is certainly more virtuous to be in a state of ritual purity.
What is the most concise formulation of blessings upon the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him)?
The shortest and valid recitation is “Shallallahu ‘ala Muhammad” or “Allahumma sholli ‘ala Muhammad.” One may recite it while walking, working, or driving.
What is the meaning of the assertion that sending ṣalawāt can fulfill needs?
According to the ḥadīth of Ubay bin Ka’ab, when an individual focuses upon sending ṣalawāt (blessings) upon the Prophet, Allah will “suffice you with what troubles you.” This signifies that his needs and the necessities of his life will be provided for by Allah as a recompense for prioritizing the supplication upon the Prophet.
Is there a specific ṣalāwat (blessing upon the Prophet ﷺ) whose reward is great?
In the referenced source text, the wording of the narration from At-Tabrani is cited: “Jazallahu ‘anna Muhammadan ma huwa ahluh” (May Allah reward Muhammad on our behalf with what he deserves). The ḥadīth mentions that this caused seventy recording angels to become fatigued for one thousand days due to the immense quantity of reward [thereby generated].
Conclusion
Reading the explanation of Imam Ibn Hajar al-Haytami above reminds us that ṣalawāt are not merely ritual recitations. Rather, they are a solution, a remedy for the heart, and the most promising investment for the future.
Do not await leisure time to engage in ṣalawāt (blessings upon the Prophet), rather, dedicate time to it. Begin with ease, reciting it ten times in the morning and ten times in the evening, then gradually increase the frequency. May we all be among those whose names are frequently mentioned before the Messenger of Allah ﷺ and who receive his intercession in the Hereafter. Allahumma ṣalli ‘ala Sayyidinā Muhammad (O Allah, send blessings upon our Master Muhammad).
Reference
Al-Haytami, Ahmad bin Muhammad bin ‘Ali bin Hajar. al-Zawājir ‘an Iqtirāf al-Kabā’ir. 2 volumes. Beirut: Dar al-Fikr, 1987.
